Jordan

Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only port,
and is in the far south of the country on the Red Sea. In fact, Jordan had a tiny coastline
until a deal with Saudi Arabia in 1965 increased it to 26.5km allowing
extensive port facilities to be built. Aqaba is a small town with a population
about 65,000.

The guide books warn against the extreme heat in Aqaba in the summer months, but
when we visited in early November the temperature was in the mid-20s Celsius
which, coupled with a slight sea breeze, made it very pleasant.Although Aqaba is famous for diving amongst the coral, there is very
little in the way of public beaches as we know them. There are new hotels
being built just south of the town and these are likely to have their
own beaches.

We spent two days there and we enjoyed the climate and the compact nature
of the town centre which made shopping easy and safe (see the shopping
page). Cruise ships call here to visit Aqaba and to take a trip inland to the highlight of Jordan - Petra.

(above) Our first glimpse of Aqaba. In the distance
is Israel with the town of Eilat on the right.
(below) The sea front at Aqaba